JDSU is no more

As of August 1, 2015, a major optical components company from the dot com era no longer exists. JDSU was officially split into Viavi Solutions and Lumentum Holdings Inc. The split had been announced in September 2014.

Viavi comprises JDSU’s test and measurement as well as its Optical Security and Performance (OSP) operations. Lumentum’s core is the former Communications and Commercial Optical Products (CCOP) business unit.

The split ends JDSU’s as one of the leading companies in optical communications technology and test and measurement. JDSU was formed from the merger of Ottawa’s JDS Fitel and California-based Uniphase Corporation in 1999. They then started on a string of acquisitions including SDL, Optical Coating Labs, E-TEK Dynamics, and E-20 Communications.

In 2001, JDS Fitel was a darling of the Canadian stock market. Many naïve investors, including this author, purchased shares at the top.

I wish Viavi and Lumentum success as they undertake their separate paths.